Speaking at an IDF officers' graduation ceremony at Bahad 1, Defense Minister Israel Katz reiterated Thursday that Israeli forces will remain in security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza without any time limit, to protect residents from jihadist elements. He also warned Iran that any attack on Israel — over Lebanon or any other reason — would draw a full-force Israeli strike.
Defense Minister Israel Katz delivered the remarks Thursday evening at the IDF officers' school (Bahad 1) in southern Israel, during a graduation ceremony for newly commissioned officers. Katz said the military would maintain an open-ended presence inside security zones across Lebanon, Syria, and the Gaza Strip, framing the posture as essential to protecting Israeli communities and soldiers — 'without any time limit.' He described the threats as coming from 'jihadist elements' and said Israel would not compromise on its 'supreme security interest.'
The minister also issued a direct warning to Tehran: if Iran attacks Israel because of Israeli actions in Lebanon or for any other reason, 'we will strike it with full force.' Katz did not specify a particular trigger or intelligence pointing to an imminent Iranian move.
As The Zioneer has reported in recent days, Katz has repeatedly stressed this position in multiple forums since mid-June — including in interviews and briefings — and has stated that the position has been conveyed directly to President Trump and Secretary of Defense Hegseth. Thursday's remarks, delivered at a formal military event rather than a political setting, reinforce the consistency of the government's public stance on indefinite security zone presence across all three fronts.
The source is a single report from the ceremony, carrying Katz's on-record statements; no other official or military source has independently confirmed or elaborated on the remarks as of Thursday evening.
3 developments
- StrongKatz: IDF will stay in Lebanon, Syria, Gaza security zones indefinitely, rejects withdrawal pressure
- DevelopingIsrael's Katz: Campaign against Iran far from over; IDF ready to strike Iran with great force
- DevelopingKatz: IDF has full backing, freedom of action against all threats in Lebanon, Gaza
- StrongIsrael's defense minister rejects Iranian threats, warns of forceful response
Source and signal
- Internal intake